BOOK // 2024
The Building Envelope Decoded
A practical guide to curtainwall failure modes, moisture intrusion pathways, and durable assembly design.
read_more()
ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING // BUILDING PERFORMANCE
Making Buildings
Perform Better.
Meridian Building Systems is a leading architectural engineering firm with over 38 years of experience specializing in forensic analysis, facade engineering, and construction management. We deliver durable, energy-efficient buildings that reduce risk and lower operating costs.
meridian://project-analysis
# Building Envelope Evaluation
$ meridian inspect --facade --roof --hvac
┌──────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Client: Northgate Corporate Center │
│ Scope: 12-story curtainwall │
│ Findings: 3 critical, 7 moderate │
│ Risk Score: REDUCED │
└──────────────────────────────────────┘
# Energy modeling complete
✓ Projected annual savings: $184,000
/services
Our Expertise Defines Us
Decades of hands-on experience and detailed building envelope analysis are the bedrock of our success in delivering high-performance, resilient structures. We believe that lasting quality stems from thoughtful material selection, intentional design, and meticulous installation.
Facade & Envelope Analysis
Curtainwall evaluation, rain-screen design, and thermal bridge analysis. 2,300+ building envelope investigations completed.
Roofing & Waterproofing
Moisture intrusion assessment, IR thermographic surveys, and assembly design for low-slope and steep-slope systems.
HVAC & Plumbing Systems
Mechanical system evaluation, indoor air quality testing, and energy efficiency retrofits for commercial and institutional buildings.
Energy & Sustainability
Whole-building energy modeling, LEED and Passive House consulting, and carbon-reduction planning. 940+ certifications achieved.
Structural Engineering
Structural condition assessments, load path analysis, and seismic retrofitting for existing buildings and new construction.
Construction Management
Owner's representation, quality assurance, and construction observation. 3,100+ projects overseen to occupancy.
/differentiators
Our Distinct Edge
Forensic-Led Design
We translate failure insights directly into refined design practice. Every forensic investigation informs our next project — no lessons lost.
Client-Centric Options
We present diverse, cost-aware solutions for every problem. You choose the right risk-reward balance for your portfolio.
Transparent Risk Communication
We clearly communicate project risks, scopes, and probabilities — in plain language and in writing. No surprises at closeout.
client-satisfaction.log
$ cat quotes/2024/southport.json
"Meridian's forensic analysis uncovered a structural issue two other firms missed. Their remedial design saved us $2.3 million in potential litigation and kept the tenant move-in on schedule."
RK
Rachel Kim
VP of Operations, Southport Realty Trust
/core-philosophy
Our Core Philosophy
Founded in 1987 with an initial focus on repair and restoration, Meridian Building Systems naturally expanded to address comprehensive building challenges. Our strength lies in seamlessly blending practical trade knowledge with deep engineering and architectural understanding.
This hybrid approach — bricklayer and building scientist, plumber and mechanical engineer — is what fosters innovation and strong client partnerships that last decades.
01
Practical First
We start with what actually happens in the field — not just what the CAD model says. Trade experience informs every design decision.
02
Engineered Depth
We bring 38 years of structural, thermal, and moisture science to every assembly detail — no cookie-cutter solutions.
03
Decades-Long Partnerships
Our average client relationship spans 11+ years. We're there for the full building lifecycle, not just the kickoff meeting.
/timeline
Building Excellence for Over 38 Years
For decades, Meridian has partnered with industry professionals to build, assess, and restore diverse building types — from landmark municipal buildings to Class A office towers.
1987
Founded in Seattle
Started as a 4-person roof repair crew with a focus on craftsmanship and doing the job right.
1995
Expanded to Engineering
Hired first licensed structural engineer. Moved beyond repair into forensic analysis and remedial design.
2006
National Reach
Opened offices in 12 cities coast-to-coast. Completed 5,000th building envelope investigation.
2025
Today
225+ dedicated professionals across 22 office locations. 19,400+ complete projects delivered.
19,400+
Complete Projects Delivered
225+
Dedicated Professionals
22
Office Locations Nationwide
/resources
Discover Insights
PRESENTATION // 2025
Thermography: Beyond Basic IR Surveys
Advanced drone-mounted thermal imaging techniques for large-area envelope assessment. AI-assisted defect classification included.
view_presentation()ARTICLE // 2025
"Recladding a 1970s Landmark" by Daniel Reyes
A case study in phased exterior rehabilitation for a 42-year-old high-rise — without relocating a single tenant.
read_article()/continuing-education
Expand Your Knowledge
Meridian Building Systems provides valuable seminars and training, offering AIA Continuing Education Learning Units (HSW). Our instructors are practicing engineers — not career trainers.
/faq
Frequently Asked Questions
We work across commercial office towers, healthcare facilities, educational campuses, municipal buildings, and Class A multifamily developments. Our sweet spot is mid-rise to high-rise structures — typically 50,000 SF and above — where envelope complexity and system integration require a dedicated engineering approach.
Common triggers include visible water intrusion, spalling exterior concrete, curtainwall seal failures, or unexplained energy cost spikes. We typically start with a non-destructive thermal survey and visual assessment, then move to targeted openings or instrumentation if needed. The forensic process is designed to answer two questions: what failed, and why.
Yes — phased remediation with occupied spaces is our specialty. Our 2024 recladding of the Southport Tower in Portland maintained 100% tenant occupancy throughout the 14-month project. It requires meticulous sequencing, temporary weather protection, and daily coordination with tenant stakeholders, but it saves owners massive vacancy loss.
Yes. We offer a standard 2-year post-construction monitoring program on all remediation projects. Using IoT moisture sensors and annual IR walkthroughs, we can detect developing issues before they become failures — at a fraction of the cost of emergency intervention.
/join-us
Build Your Career Where Buildings Come First
We're always eager to connect with passionate talent. At Meridian, you'll work on real investigations, speak directly with clients, and see your designs constructed — not stuck in a drawing review queue.
hiring_status.txt
# Current open positions
$ meridian careers list
┌─ Structural Engineer (PE) — Seattle, Chicago, NYC
├─ Building Envelope Consultant — Boston, Denver
├─ HVAC Systems Engineer — Austin, Charlotte
├─ Construction Manager — Phoenix, Portland
├─ Forensic Investigator (Field) — Multiple
└─ Senior Architect (Remedial Design) — Remote
/contact
Discuss a Project or Career Move
We typically respond within one business day. For urgent forensic matters, call our 24-hour response line — a real engineer answers, not a call center.
connection_request.sh